Image/ Dr Elombi
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has recorded a major milestone in digital trade across the continent after its Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) successfully facilitated a US$5.3 million cross-border fuel transaction, marking the platform’s first energy sector trade in Southern Africa.
The transaction involved Zimbabwean fuel importer Witeva Trading sourcing a shipment of gasoil from a commodity supplier based in Switzerland. Zimbabwe’s Innbucks Microbank acted as the issuing financial institution, while Afreximbank provided trade finance confirmation to support the successful completion of the transaction.
The deal demonstrates how digital trade ecosystems are transforming cross-border commerce by connecting buyers, suppliers, financial institutions and trade finance providers through a single integrated platform.
The Africa Trade Gateway enabled all parties to identify commercial opportunities, verify counterparties, secure financing and complete the international transaction more efficiently than through traditional trade channels. It also represents the first completed transaction on the platform for Innbucks Microbank, highlighting the growing participation of African financial institutions in digital trade solutions.
Afreximbank said the successful transaction showcases the Gateway’s ability to simplify complex international trade processes while improving access to financing for African businesses.
Peter Olowononi, Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa at Afreximbank, said the transaction demonstrates the benefits of bringing businesses and financial institutions together through a unified digital trade ecosystem.
He noted that expanding access to trade finance remains essential for enabling more African companies to participate competitively in both regional and international markets.
Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Business at Afreximbank, described the Africa Trade Gateway as more than a digital marketplace, explaining that it provides businesses with the infrastructure needed to identify opportunities, connect with trusted trading partners and complete transactions from start to finish.
According to Onyia, every successful transaction strengthens the network by increasing confidence among participants, attracting new businesses and creating additional commercial opportunities across the continent.
The Africa Trade Gateway forms part of Afreximbank’s broader strategy to accelerate intra-African trade and support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The platform complements the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which enables businesses to settle cross-border payments in local currencies while reducing dependence on foreign exchange.
Afreximbank has also established a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to assist member states and businesses in taking advantage of opportunities created under the AfCFTA.
With total assets and contingencies exceeding US$48.5 billion at the end of 2025, Afreximbank continues to play a leading role in financing trade, industrialisation and regional economic integration. The successful completion of the Southern African fuel transaction demonstrates how digital platforms are helping remove long-standing barriers to trade while creating faster, more secure and more efficient commercial networks across Africa.
As digital trade ecosystems continue to expand, initiatives such as the Africa Trade Gateway are expected to play an increasingly important role in boosting cross-border commerce, improving access to trade finance and strengthening Africa’s position in global supply chains.